This week I’m going to show the easy Shiatsu acupressure massage technique on the back.
The target muscle is erector spinae that runs parallel to the spine on both sides. Have the receiver lie face down on the floor and sit by the receiver’s head facing the receiver’s legs.
Draw an imaginary line 1.5 cun or two finger widths next to the spine. And that’s the size of the receiver’s fingers.
Press the imaginary line with your thumbs if you have very strong thumbs. Or supported thumb which is a thumb supported by the side of the index finger. Either way, use the body weight to generate pressure.
In order to effectively use your body weight, keep your armpit closed and position yourself close to your thumbs so you can press downward. Remember to reposition yourself rather than staying in one place and pressing far from you.
It’s the best when you match the breathing with the receiver for a good connection and press as you both exhale.
Technically, there are 16 points on this bladder meridian line, one next to each vertebra from T1 to L5. T1 is below C7 which is the big bump that sticks out when you bend your neck forward, and L5 is the last vertebra above the sacrum.
If you know the human anatomy, you may wonder it should be 17 points because there are 12 thoracic vertebrae and 5 lumber vertebrae. You are absolutely right! As you can see in the picture, somehow there is no bladder labeled point next to T8 and that’s why there are only 16 points on this segment on the bladder line.
However, it’s usually hard to see where each vertebra is located on the back and for a feel-good home massage, just press along the erector spinae and the receiver will be happy.
Thanks for watching. I’ll see you back next week. Make it a great week. Feel free to comment below and please don’t forget to subscribe.
Massage Monday #395 – Easy Shiatsu Acupressure on Back http://bit.ly/mm-395